Andrews or Anderson?

[Bengals1]

From yesterday's Tip Sheet Notes by Len Pasquarelli:

Anderson done in Cincy? Within the next couple of weeks, the Cincinnati Bengals likely face a difficult decision on the future of 12-year veteran right offensive tackle Willie Anderson, a fixture on the blocking unit since the franchise chose him in the first round of the 1996 draft and a four-time Pro Bowl performer who has always exemplified class and leadership. The once-durable Anderson is coming off a season in which he was plagued by heel and knee injuries that limited him to career lows in appearances (seven) and starts (five); at one point, he was sidelined for nine straight games. Before this season, Anderson, 32, had missed only two games and eight starts in 11 years. But age and infirmity may have caught up to Anderson this year, and the Bengals' brass will have to weigh just how much solid football they think the former Auburn star has left in the tank versus the money remaining on the $32 million extension he signed in 2006.

In terms of base salaries, Anderson is owed $3.15 million (for 2008), $2.7 million (2009), $3.2 million (2010) and $3.45 million (2011). But he is also due a $2 million roster bonus on Jan. 15, and the clock is ticking loudly on that money. If Cincinnati opts not to pay the bonus, Anderson becomes an unrestricted free agent and probably will sign elsewhere. If the Bengals pay the bonus, the club is essentially gambling that Anderson will be healthy in '08 and return to his previous form. Anderson does not want to retire and prefers to continue, and mostly likely finish, his career with the only team for which he's ever played.

The man who replaced Anderson for much of this season, four-year veteran Stacy Andrews, is eligible for unrestricted free agency. The younger brother of Philadelphia standout right guard Shawn Andrews, Stacy Andrews' value is tough to gauge because he has started only 13 games in four seasons. But there are a considerable number of teams who view the 26-year-old Andrews, despite his lack of starting experience, as a star-in-the-making with possible Pro Bowl potential. The former University of Mississippi standout, a fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft, is big and quick-footed and has played both guard and tackle. It may take more than just a modest investment in the free-agent market to land him. Or for the Bengals to re-sign him. And those factors may enter into Cincinnati management's decision on Anderson's future with the team.

[kurgan74]

I would love to see both stay, but I doubt that will happen ubless Willie is willing to re-negotiate his deal and take more money up front so they could hammer out a deal with big Stacey.

[BengalChamps]

Keeping BigWillie or not depends on how they would spend the money. If they would use it to renegotiate with Chad i say keep Willie. If they would spend it on D I say let him go.

[kingwilly]

Andrews, false-starts and all, is part of the future of this O-line.

Anderson probably won't be released, not with the 1/15 deadline for his roster bonus. I think he could battle back and be healthy for 08'. If they do make a run at Andrews, it means there probably will not be enough money to get a top defensive FA everyone think might happen.

If it were my club, I'd release Willie, work an Andrews deal and then draft OL.

The Bengals will probably keep Anderson, low-ball Andrews (he'll take it) and the draft a RB in r1.

[NJ29]

Andrews, false-starts and all, is part of the future of this O-line.

Anderson probably won't be released, not with the 1/15 deadline for his roster bonus. I think he could battle back and be healthy for 08'. If they do make a run at Andrews, it means there probably will not be enough money to get a top defensive FA everyone think might happen.

If it were my club, I'd release Willie, work an Andrews deal and then draft OL.

The Bengals will probably keep Anderson, low-ball Andrews (he'll take it) and the draft a RB in r1.

A RB? Why? At the 9th pick, I don't see very good value, especially if we can get Sedrick Ellis or Ali Highsmith on defense. Jonathan Stewart and Steve Slaton will both be there, but I don't think Stewart is much better than Irons, and I definitely don't want Slaton.

[AnonymousBengalFan]

From yesterday's Tip Sheet Notes by Len Pasquarelli:

Anderson done in Cincy? Within the next couple of weeks, the Cincinnati Bengals likely face a difficult decision on the future of 12-year veteran right offensive tackle Willie Anderson, a fixture on the blocking unit since the franchise chose him in the first round of the 1996 draft and a four-time Pro Bowl performer who has always exemplified class and leadership. The once-durable Anderson is coming off a season in which he was plagued by heel and knee injuries that limited him to career lows in appearances (seven) and starts (five); at one point, he was sidelined for nine straight games. Before this season, Anderson, 32, had missed only two games and eight starts in 11 years. But age and infirmity may have caught up to Anderson this year, and the Bengals' brass will have to weigh just how much solid football they think the former Auburn star has left in the tank versus the money remaining on the $32 million extension he signed in 2006.

In terms of base salaries, Anderson is owed $3.15 million (for 2008), $2.7 million (2009), $3.2 million (2010) and $3.45 million (2011). But he is also due a $2 million roster bonus on Jan. 15, and the clock is ticking loudly on that money. If Cincinnati opts not to pay the bonus, Anderson becomes an unrestricted free agent and probably will sign elsewhere. If the Bengals pay the bonus, the club is essentially gambling that Anderson will be healthy in '08 and return to his previous form. Anderson does not want to retire and prefers to continue, and mostly likely finish, his career with the only team for which he's ever played.

The man who replaced Anderson for much of this season, four-year veteran Stacy Andrews, is eligible for unrestricted free agency. The younger brother of Philadelphia standout right guard Shawn Andrews, Stacy Andrews' value is tough to gauge because he has started only 13 games in four seasons. But there are a considerable number of teams who view the 26-year-old Andrews, despite his lack of starting experience, as a star-in-the-making with possible Pro Bowl potential. The former University of Mississippi standout, a fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft, is big and quick-footed and has played both guard and tackle. It may take more than just a modest investment in the free-agent market to land him. Or for the Bengals to re-sign him. And those factors may enter into Cincinnati management's decision on Anderson's future with the team.

I think Cincy should pay the bonus and bring Willie to training camp. I know thta 2 mil is like wasting the money if he doesn't make the team but it keeps him out of free agency for 6 months and keeps him in the fold for as long as they need to.

[BengalszoneBilly]

From yesterday's Tip Sheet Notes by Len Pasquarelli:

Anderson done in Cincy? Within the next couple of weeks, the Cincinnati Bengals likely face a difficult decision on the future of 12-year veteran right offensive tackle Willie Anderson, a fixture on the blocking unit since the franchise chose him in the first round of the 1996 draft and a four-time Pro Bowl performer who has always exemplified class and leadership.

I honestly don't think Andrews is half the player Anderson was. I think to get another OL as good as Willie, we'll have to spend at least a round 2 pick to do it. IMHO the weakened offensive line was the root of Carson, Rudi, and the rest of the offenses problems. Shore up the line, keep the pressure off Palmer, open some holes for the backs to run through, and the offense will return to it's '05 form.

[kingwilly]

Andrews, false-starts and all, is part of the future of this O-line.

Anderson probably won't be released, not with the 1/15 deadline for his roster bonus. I think he could battle back and be healthy for 08'. If they do make a run at Andrews, it means there probably will not be enough money to get a top defensive FA everyone think might happen.

If it were my club, I'd release Willie, work an Andrews deal and then draft OL.

The Bengals will probably keep Anderson, low-ball Andrews (he'll take it) and the draft a RB in r1.

A RB? Why? At the 9th pick, I don't see very good value, especially if we can get Sedrick Ellis or Ali Highsmith on defense. Jonathan Stewart and Steve Slaton will both be there, but I don't think Stewart is much better than Irons, and I definitely don't want Slaton.

I am in no way advocating they take an RB, I am just saying the would be very "Bengal-like" of them to handle things that way. In effect, ignoring the real issue: the Defense.

[HairOnFire]

I think Cincy should pay the bonus and bring Willie to training camp. I know thta 2 mil is like wasting the money if he doesn't make the team but it keeps him out of free agency for 6 months and keeps him in the fold for as long as they need to.

I disagree. When Willie signed his contract extension I remember reading the terms and concluding that it was a fairly modest deal that gave the Bengals the fairly rare opportunity to opt out quickly if Anderson began to break down, as many were already concerned about. That ability to opt out is rapidly approaching.

None of us can judge Anderson's medical condition well enough to say with certainty how much gas is left in his tank or how likely it is that his level of play could continue to justify his salary. But the Bengals have the information that we lack, and in less than two weeks they'll let us know which direction this team is taking.

If it were up to me I'd refuse to pay the roster bonus for any number of reasons. First, doing so wouldn't close the door for Anderson's return completely. It simply places Anderson in a position where he would have to accept less in order to stay, which seems fair considering his degraded condition. Second, whether he stays or goes the Bengals would be well served to seek some insurance in the coming draft, and it can be argued that if you're in for a penny why not go in for a pound? And finally, why not force the issue now, before free agency begins and months before the draft?

[cincyhokie]

Keep Willie.

2 reasons:

1. Did anyone see how he dominated in the Cleveland game? I know it was Cleveland but you could see a difference with him in the game especially in our rushing offense.

2. Can anyone name the leaders on this team? Do we think we can afford to let one of them go?

I think we can get another Andrews, who is no better than a Willie at 75% in my opinion. I don't think we can afford to let Willie go with the state of this club right now. We need him.

[Spor_tees]

Is it just me or does 3.1 Million for Anderson sound like a pretty good deal when you look at the salaries of guys like Justin Smith 8+ Million, Chad Johnson, Carson Palmer, and others...

Sure he had an injury plagued year this year, but lots of veterans do and they come back to play well the following year. I look at this year for Willie as almost a "rest" year...I fully expect him to come back with a vengeance next year and as long as the Bengals can get the Center position fixed somehow, the O-line will be in the top 5 in the league once again. (I say top 5 overall because even this year the O-line only gave up 17 sacks all season despite the poor running game)

[Bengals1]

Sure he had an injury plagued year this year, but lots of veterans do and they come back to play well the following year. I look at this year for Willie as almost a "rest" year...I fully expect him to come back with a vengeance next year ...

I would like to know more about what exactly was wrong with him and hear what an expert has to say about it.

And by expert I mean nobody on the bungles medical staff...

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Neither

[walshfan]

Keep Willie.

2 reasons:

1. Did anyone see how he dominated in the Cleveland game? I know it was Cleveland but you could see a difference with him in the game especially in our rushing offense.

2. Can anyone name the leaders on this team? Do we think we can afford to let one of them go?

I think we can get another Andrews, who is no better than a Willie at 75% in my opinion. I don't think we can afford to let Willie go with the state of this club right now. We need him.

cleveland's defense sucks.....

TJ and CJ bitch and moan...Levi complains, Deltha bitches and on and on

Just who is he leading????

The team doesnt need a 5mil dollar backup.

[HoosierCat]

If it were up to me I'd refuse to pay the roster bonus for any number of reasons. First, doing so wouldn't close the door for Anderson's return completely. It simply places Anderson in a position where he would have to accept less in order to stay, which seems fair considering his degraded condition. Second, whether he stays or goes the Bengals would be well served to seek some insurance in the coming draft, and it can be argued that if you're in for a penny why not go in for a pound? And finally, why not force the issue now, before free agency begins and months before the draft?

That about covers it.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Put Whitworth at RT, cut loose Willie and thank him, draft a guard or center on day one. Or if you sign/draft a top tackle, keep Whit at guard for now. Use savings to start re-vamping your roster and make a bid for a couple of impact FA's before TJ, Carson and Chad are retired.

They won't do it.

[sparky151]

My guess is that the Bengals will be backward looking, as always. They will pay Willie, lose Stacy, then be screwed when Willie gets hurt again.

I'd try to get Willie to delay the roster bonus till at least a week or so into free agency. He might very well decline to do so. If he does refuse, the team should grit it's teeth and pay it. Then try to get Stacy reupped. Ideally the team would work on getting Stacy re-signed by Jan 15 instead of putzing around with TJ's extension. I'm in favor of extending TJ if the price isn't absurd but it could be done before camp and shouldn't be done now when free agency is about to start.

[TJJackson]

They'll probably pay Willie, even though they should not do so

Love the guy, but age has finally caught up to him....Willie, please open a Fatburger here soon......4th and Elm former Frisch's would be an excellent location.....looking forward to meeting you at the Grand Opening

They'll probably pay Andrews too, but at least he is still young and still has a chance to develop into a quality starter - something I can't say he is at this time.

[HairOnFire]

Is it just me or does 3.1 Million for Anderson sound like a pretty good deal....

Yeah, it does. Now add in the 2 million dollar roster bonus and you've hit 5.1 million.

So how you feelin' now?

Again, none of us know Anderson's condition well enough to speculate and he hasn't helped matters by claiming he's fine one week, and likely to be playing his last game as a Bengal the next.

Bottom Line: We may not have long to wait for the next big boom of the blowup.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Is it just me or does 3.1 Million for Anderson sound like a pretty good deal....

Yeah, it does. Now add in the 2 million dollar roster bonus and you've hit 5.1 million.

So how you feelin' now?

Again, none of us know Anderson's condition well enough to speculate and he hasn't helped matters by claiming he's fine one week, and likely to be playing his last game as a Bengal the next.

Bottom Line: We may not have long to wait for the next big boom of the blowup.

I say keep Willie. He's still got some gas in the tank, and his leadership is needed on the team seeing how I really can't find any others. So far Carson hasn't fully stepped into the role. Maybe that's because of his laid back California attitude.

IMHO we desperately need to bolster the offensive line as much as we do it's defensive equivelent.

[bengalspride1219]

Andrews, false-starts and all, is part of the future of this O-line.

Anderson probably won't be released, not with the 1/15 deadline for his roster bonus. I think he could battle back and be healthy for 08'. If they do make a run at Andrews, it means there probably will not be enough money to get a top defensive FA everyone think might happen.

If it were my club, I'd release Willie, work an Andrews deal and then draft OL.

The Bengals will probably keep Anderson, low-ball Andrews (he'll take it) and the draft a RB in r1.

A RB? Why? At the 9th pick, I don't see very good value, especially if we can get Sedrick Ellis or Ali Highsmith on defense. Jonathan Stewart and Steve Slaton will both be there, but I don't think Stewart is much better than Irons, and I definitely don't want Slaton.

jw but whats wrong with slaton (i dont watch anyyy college football)

[dniebme]

here's a thought, how about keeping both of them, like the successful nfl teams. duh

[cincyhokie]

Good idea. Just like a good fantasy team. If you have Tom Brady AND Tony Romo. Keep em both! One could get injured.

Hmmmmmm...........maybe freeing up some cap money for fixing the defense might be a good idea too?

[HoTbOy]

Seeing that SAndrews has not developed like some people thought he would, it would be wise to keep WAnderson until training camp to see if he comes back healthy...SAndrews has not turned out to be this pro bowl type player that people think he should, I think that is because of the O-line coach, not SAndrews fault...I think they will draft a OLman who can play 2 positions on the 1st day...